TE Connectivity Samarthanam Walkathon

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled organizes 14th Bengaluru Walkathon 2018 in support of digital Inclusion

Every year, Samarthanam organizes a one-of-a kind Walkathon that witnesses massive public support and is organized mainly to encourage people across the country to get involved and spread awareness on a common cause. The event commemorates The International Day Of The Persons With Disability. The International observance of the United Nations aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

TE Connectivity (TE),a world leader in connectivity and sensors, is the title sponsor for 14th Bengaluru Walkathon.TE Connectivity Samarthanam’s Bengaluru Walkathon 2018 to be held on December 8, 2018 at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Bangalore, in an effort to raise awareness on “Digital Inclusion” for people with disabilities. The lack of accessibility has created a big divide for the disabled population, pushing them to the margins. In an era of expanding technology and infrastructure in the digital world, we want to take strides in bridging the digital divide and making it possible for every disabled person to have ease of access to digital information and services that ultimately leads to full participation in our society.

With the theme, “From a resolution to a revolution”, the 14th Walkathon aims to empower people with disabilities as beneficiaries and agents of change in order to promote an equitable and inclusive society where we pledge to “leave no one behind”.

Mr. Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam said “I look forward to this part of the year. We are happy to announce this year’s Walkathon theme on “digital inclusion”. The digital space has evolved and has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of people. Samarthanam has worked on the IT communications platform for the disabled right from its inception. The opportunities have opened up new avenues in the field of education and has enhanced the knowledge for every beneficiary at Samarthanam. We will continue to strive to work for equal access and invite each of you to join this movement. I am glad to see that many companies have joined hands in this initiative. I thank the title sponsors for their contribution and support in this endeavor to promote digital inclusion.”

Arun Kakatkar, managing director, TE India, and vice president, HR – Asia Pacific, said, “We are very happy to partner with Samarthanam on the occasion of our 25th anniversary in India. Over the past 15 years, Samarthanam has enabled us to connect with and support people with disabilities. We are very pleased to partner with them on a new program to leverage digital technologies to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”

Elaborating on the digital inclusion, Raj Rajkumar, TE community ambassador said, “We started our journey with Samarthanam’s digital audio lab in 2008. We co-created the format for vocational training for IT enabled services and hosted its pilot at our site. We are now engaging with them on an accelerator program to mentor start-ups who are developing digital products to empower people with disabilities.”

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all.

About TE Connectivity Ltd
TE Connectivity Ltd. is a $14 billion global technology and manufacturing leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. For more than 75 years, our connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, have enabled advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home. With 80,000 employees, including more than 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.comand onLinkedIn, Facebook, WeChatandTwitter.

On the occasion of the Walk for Digital Inclusion, Sunil Shah, CEO & Global Head, Societe Generale Global Solution Centre and Global Head, Societe Generale European Business Services, said, “At Society Generale, we believe that Diversity and Inclusion, is not only a set of best practices, but a mindset of viewing every person as a unique individual and celebrating the differences, based on individual merit, enablement and empowerment.

He further added, “On this occasion, we are also happy to showcase “Connectible”, one of our most recent innovations. Connectible is a social platform for connecting the community of People with Disabilities (PwD) with industry experts, helping them to locate accessible services, buildings and suitable employment opportunities. We wish to see this platform benefit the community “.

An equal opportunity employer, Societe Generale has been active in the real-world economy for over 150 years and remained committed to creating a diverse workforce and environment ever since. World over we have 147,000 employees from 138 nationalities and 2300 are employees with disabilities, 59% among them are women. These differences are what make us a thriving fraternity that focuses on functioning Differently Together.

Samarthanam welcomes all Bengalureans to join us in big numbers and walk with us while you contribute for a cause. Your contribution will help promote digital literacy in the lives of a 1000 in the year 2019.